It has been another bustling week for Australia’s top brokers, resulting in a flurry of broker notes and recommendations. Among these, three ASX shares have emerged as top picks, capturing significant attention from analysts. Here’s why National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL), and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) are considered to be in the buy zone right now.
National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)
In a recent note from UBS, analysts have upgraded National Australia Bank’s shares to a buy rating, raising the price target to $47.00. The bank has been lauded for successfully defending its leadership position in the business banking sector. UBS believes that NAB is strategically positioned to capitalize on structural business lending growth.
Despite NAB shares underperforming in 2025, UBS sees a greater opportunity for a re-rating this year compared to its peers among the big four banks. As of Friday, NAB’s share price was trading at $42.18.
“NAB’s strategic focus on business banking and its resilience in maintaining market leadership make it a compelling buy,” UBS analysts noted.
Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)
Macquarie analysts have upgraded Netwealth Group’s shares to an outperform rating, albeit with a slightly reduced price target of $32.40. This adjustment follows the release of a quarterly update that revealed net inflows surpassing expectations, although the EBITDA margin guidance was softer than anticipated due to increased software investment.
Despite trimming earnings forecasts, Macquarie remains optimistic about Netwealth’s potential, especially after a period of significant share price weakness. At the time of writing, Netwealth shares were valued at $25.65.
“The recent dip in share price presents a valuable entry point for investors, given Netwealth’s robust inflow performance,” commented Macquarie.
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)
While the article initially did not provide details on Northern Star Resources, it is worth noting the company’s notable presence in the gold mining sector. Historically, Northern Star has been a significant player in the ASX, with a strong track record of production and exploration success.
Analysts often highlight the company’s operational efficiency and strategic acquisitions, which have bolstered its growth trajectory. Investors typically view Northern Star as a hedge against economic volatility, given gold’s historical role as a safe-haven asset.
“Northern Star’s consistent performance and strategic growth initiatives continue to make it an attractive option for risk-averse investors,” industry experts suggest.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The recommendations for NAB, Netwealth, and Northern Star come at a time when the Australian market is navigating through economic uncertainties and evolving investor sentiments. The focus on these companies underscores a broader trend where investors are seeking stability and growth potential amidst market volatility.
As the financial landscape continues to shift, these ASX shares represent a mix of defensive and growth-oriented strategies, appealing to a diverse range of investment profiles. Analysts will closely monitor these companies’ performances in the coming months, particularly in light of global economic developments and domestic policy changes.
Investors are advised to stay informed on market trends and broker insights, as these can provide valuable guidance in making informed investment decisions. The evolving dynamics of the ASX market present both challenges and opportunities, with these three shares poised to capture significant interest.
